My Bare Bones 71 Cuda Convert Build

[hemiken]

Hi Tom, I put a reply in your wanted advert buddy

What do you think about that Orange seat interior, is it something you would consider doing buddy

[CudamanTom]

Hi Tom, I put a reply in your wanted advert buddy

Thanks Ken. And I responded back at ya.

What do you think about that Orange seat interior, is it something you would consider doing buddy

You almost have me nervous now    
Are you an OSU fan? 

[hemiken]

Thanks Ken. And I responded back at ya.
You almost have me nervous now    
Are you an OSU fan? 

If that stands for Over Seas and Usually here, then that is me.

[moparman82]

[quote
Are you an OSU fan? 
[/quote]

I am I am!  Every time I say "OSU" and I'm anywhere other than Oklahoma people think in talking Bout Ohio state, so now I always say OK state, my wife is alumni, and we go t
Down to OK city twice a year to see some of her friends

[CudamanTom]

I decided to rework all of the wiring first.
Pulled the dash and steering column assemblies today. 
Need to replace dash pad and work on the cluster assy.

[hemiken]

Very wise move Tom, great thinking. Keep us posted as you progress mate.

[CudamanTom]

Hey Guys,
It's been a while since I posted any updates.
Between the cold winter weather with snow, ice and such. I've been busy going thru the Cuda and boxes of parts to figure what I have and what I need. But the biggest part is being here, reading and doing homework to get ready for some action. 
I've ordered:
New front disc/spindle assemblies.
Complete new break system/hardware
Complete new fuel system/hardware
New dash cap (stretching the budget to get her on the road)
And purchasing missing hardware from front to back (part of my homework assignment)
So now it's time to do a little catch up.
I started with the wiring in the engine bay. I reworked the harness after looking at it again and since the wiring harness was used on the 440 setup I have and ran, I figured I would TLC it (wrap it with harness tape) and use it for now. It also has the MSD 6AL system.
I mounted the new master cylinder and brake lines.

I ran the rear brake lines but nothing is hooked up just yet. Waiting for more hardware.



And got started on some the interior/trunk wiring.



This weekend I'm planning to install the dash cap so I can reassemble the dash and get it installed.
After that, hopefully the new fuel lines/tank.

If you see something in the pics that looks wrong or out of place, please jump in and say. I am winging some of this on some info I couldn't find.
Thanks,
Tom

[ShelbyDogg]

I spot power window motor wires. I added a pair of relays on each window to save the switch contacts and speed all the motors up. I also added a 4 fuse holder and a big battery supply wire to drive the rear windows and the power top motor. Chrysler put too much through that little fuse box and those switch contacts.

Keep in mind that a BLACK top sucks in the heat if you are driving around in the sun, top up.
I have A/C in mine, but also have a white top. A nice option to have even though you might not ever use it.

[CudamanTom]

I spot power window motor wires. I added a pair of relays on each window to save to switch contacts and speed all the motors up. I also added a 4 fuse holder and a big battery supply wire to drive the rear windows and the power top motor. Chrysler put too much through that little fuse box and those switch contacts.

Keep in mind that a BLACK top sucks in the heat if you are driving around in the sun, top up.
I have A/C in mine, but also have a white top. A nice option to have even though you might not ever use it.

Thanks for your input Rob.
That's a good idea. Can you provide a little more info and maybe pics of what you used and did?
Since my fuse box does not have the original C/B or connectors for the top lift, I am supplying power and an aftermarket C/B for that but could incorporate the windows as well.

[johns cuda shop]

Nice Project Tom..  I agree with shelbydogg, Some S.P.D.T. relays would help alot in saving your switch contacts ..

[CudamanTom]

Nice Project Tom..  I agree with shelbydogg, Some S.P.D.T. relays would help alot in saving your switch contacts ..

Thank you John 

[6771plymouth]

nice and double nice.

[ShelbyDogg]

Power window wiring is switched like in this pic below, These are wired this way so you can hook them in series for the master switch and the passenger door and rear switches. You will have to ohm out your switches to find the correct contacts, but you can use any switches you find in a junk yard or source out some new ones.


I bought a ten pack of relays and sockets from Amazon here, about $1.70 each. The sockets can lock together to attach them in line, as many as you need.


and a fuse block like this:


The relays are paired up and repinned like this, and can also used for a Power TOP motor:


I ran a big fused wire to the fuse block in the trunk. I put in separate fuses or circuit breakers in for the rear power windows. A pair of relays are mounted right side up by each power window motor. For the power top motor, I used a pump and it's relay from a newer convertible from a junk yard. I can't remember what make or model but our junk yards are full of convertibles. The late model pump is better with it's single motor winding compared to the original 70s mopar pump that had dual windings. I have a pic of the top motor and it's relay in my pace car build thread somewhere.
My top and windows go up and down fast, engine running or not.

[miamivice]

Rob, great post...thank you.  I am working a similar project, so very helpful!

[CudamanTom]

Thanks for the info Rob.
I'm going to look into that further.